Welcome to the r/formula1 Daily Discussion / Q&A thread.

This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Formula 1, that don't need threads of their own.

Are you new to Formula 1? This is the place for you. Ever wondered why it's called a lollipop man? Why the cars don't refuel during pitstops? Or when Mika will be back from his sabbatical? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer.

Also make sure you check out our guide for new fans, and our FAQ for new fans.

Are you a veteran fan, longing for the days of lollipop men, refueling during pitstops, and Mika Häkkinen? This is the place to introduce new fans to your passion and knowledge of the sport.

Remember to keep it civil and welcoming! Gatekeeping within the Daily Discussion will subject users to disciplinary action.

Have a meta question about the subreddit? Please direct these to the moderators instead.

We found this cap amongst my father-in-law's old stuff. It's at least 20 years old and he was a massive racing fan. My wife and I think it's signed by someone in the F1 world but we're not sure. Can anyone help figure out who signed it? Thank you!

Welcome to the r/formula1 Daily Discussion / Q&A thread.

This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Formula 1, that don't need threads of their own.

Are you new to Formula 1? This is the place for you. Ever wondered why it's called a lollipop man? Why the cars don't refuel during pitstops? Or when Mika will be back from his sabbatical? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer.

Also make sure you check out our guide for new fans, and our FAQ for new fans.

Are you a veteran fan, longing for the days of lollipop men, refueling during pitstops, and Mika Häkkinen? This is the place to introduce new fans to your passion and knowledge of the sport.

Remember to keep it civil and welcoming! Gatekeeping within the Daily Discussion will subject users to disciplinary action.

Have a meta question about the subreddit? Please direct these to the moderators instead.

I only recently got into F1 and am super interested in drivers' racecraft. Before the next season I'd love to backwatch some old races, with a focus on smart decision making, defense, etc rather than just top speed. Would love some suggestions to add to my list!

• Sainz: Singapore 2023
• Albon: Monza 2023
• ???

Edit: Thanks for all the suggestions so far! My list is still missing Norris, Ocon, and Tsunoda (and the rookies but that's a given lol), if anyone has faves from them!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFgGC80Nb8P/?igsh=ZjRodHVhMmYxZTds

We saw many times during and after the 2024 season how the season was split into 2 or even 3 to show the fluctuating form and performance of the top 4 teams. I've instead used rolling sums as a metric to see the changes on a more granular level and most of the trends throughout the season become quite apparent this way.

5-Race Rolling Sums of the Drivers' Points from the Top 4 Teams in 2024

Each point in the graph shows the total points scored by a in the last 5 races, including that GP. So, for example, the value for the 15th race of the season (Dutch GP) shows the total number of points that driver scored from the 11th race (Austrian GP) up to, and including, the Dutch GP.

Some of the trends that stand out are Verstappen's struggles, especially just before and after the summer break, Hamilton's rise and fall in form, and conversely, Leclerc's late season resurgence.

Drivers who Had the Highest 5-Race Rolling Sums at a Point

At different points in the season there are 5 different drivers who have scored the most points in the last 5 races before that point: Verstappen, Hamilton, Piastri, Norris and Leclerc.

Perez's Ranking Based on Points Scored in the Last 5 Races

Perez's sharp decline is also impossible to miss here. After remaining 8th in this respect for most of the season, the he dropped to 15th place with 2 (two) points collected in the last 5 races of the season.

On the teams' side of things:

5-Race Rolling Sums of the Top 4 Teams in 2024

The fluctuations between the front 4 teams that marked the 2024 season are also clearly evident here, including:

• Red Bull's dominant start to the season,
• McLaren seemingly having the strongest car for most of the middle part of the season,
• Ferrari's strong finish to the season, and
• The brief period of races where even Mercedes looked the fastest.

All 4 teams had a point in the season where they were at the top according to this metric.

Best of the Rest:

5-Race Rolling Sums of the Remaining 6 Teams in 2024

The teams in the middle of the pack have also had a season of ups and downs. Some trends that are reflected in this graph:

• Aston Martin's very strong start to the season leading to a comfortable 5th place with points gained in the first half of the season.
• RB being the first team to challenge Aston Martin for the title of ‘best of the rest’,
• Haas to take over 6th place from RB, having accumulated points more consistently throughout the season, and
• Alpine pulling a rabbit out of the hat at the closing stages of the season.